Motorcycle Catches Fire in Drag Race, Resident Who Wants to Help Accidentally Pours Ethanol
A motorcycle caught fire in the middle of a drag race in Isabela City, Basilan, and intensified after being poured with ethanol, which was mistaken for water by a person who tried to help.
It was reported that the first-ever Sakayan Festival legal drag race for motorcycles was held in the area. During the second race of the event, mechanic Arnulfo Enriquez Jr. noticed that there was a gasoline leak in the carburetor of his motorcycle.
“May leak siya, parang nag-o-overflow ‘yung gasoline. Pero pursigi lang kami siyempre kasi gusto talaga namin manalo,” Enriquez said.
Enriquez conducted an inspection of the motorcycle before joining the last race. However, in the middle of the inspection, the motorcycle suddenly caught fire, causing panic among the people.
The mechanic had a fire extinguisher with him, but another participant beat him to it and poured something on the fire. Instead of being extinguished, the fire grew and became more intense.
Fortunately, a fire truck arrived at the scene promptly. After the incident, the motorcycle’s chassis was still running despite being burnt. Enriquez was burned in the face, arms, and legs, receiving second-degree burns.
Another person also suffered burns on their legs and thighs and is still recovering in the hospital.
The man who poured the chemical apologized to Enriquez for what happened. The event’s organizers also helped the two injured riders.
“Pagdating sa ospital sabi niya sa akin ‘Bro hindi ko naman talaga intensyon ‘yon. Akala ko talaga tubig, gusto ko lang talaga tumulong.’ Sabi ko ‘Okay na ‘yun, walang problema,” he added.
Based on the initial investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection, the liquid poured on the fire was ethanol used to mix with gasoline, not water.
Antonio Tolentino Jr. of the Philippine Rotary in Emergency Preparedness and Response Foundation Inc. emphasized that chemicals should have proper labeling and combustible materials should be separated from people.
Only authorized personnel should handle and use these materials. The local government of Isabela City ensured that if given a second chance to hold a drag race event, they will guarantee tighter security measures.
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